5. Matt Kuchar
To be fair, it’s almost unfair to consider Matt Kuchar a dark horse at this point. The guy has more than made a name for himself on the PGA Tour over the years and is one of the most talented guys competing. However, Kuchar makes this list simply because he’s in that tier of player that, if they were to win, it would still be a bit of a shock. With his talent and how he’s played Augusta, though, Kuchar definitely earns dark horse status in my book.
One of the reasons that you really have to consider Kuchar a dark horse rather than a legitimate top-flight contender is the fact that his start to 2016 on the tour has been less than ideal. His finishes may not look terrible (outside of missing the cut at the Arnold Palmer Invitational), but Kuchar has shown round-to-round inconsistency and fluctuating scores that aren’t comforting for someone trying to put their faith in him.
That being said, Kuchar has been a monster seemingly every year at The Masters, including a third-place finish back in 2013. Despite what he’s looked like to start this season on the PGA Tour, I like Kuchar to again be in the mix at Augusta and be in a position to pick up his first Major win.
Next: No. 4 Ian Poulter